Africa: A Modern History

The end of World War II signaled the end of the European African empires. In 1945, four African countries were independent; by 1963, 30 African states created the Organization of African Unity. The 1960s were a time of optimism as Africans enjoyed their new independence, witnessed increases in prosperity and prepared to tackle their political and economic problems in their own way. By the 1990s, however, these high hopes had been dashed. Dictatorship by strongmen, corruption, civil wars and genocide, widespread poverty and the interventions and manipulations of the major powers had all relegated Africa to the position of an aid "basket case," the world's poorest and least-developed continent. By exploring developments over the last 15 years, including the impact of China, new IT technology and the Arab Spring, the rise of Nigeria as Africa's leading country and the recent refugee crisis, Guy Arnold brings his landmark history of modern Africa up to date and provides a fresh perspective on this misunderstood continent.

"It is difficult to imagine a better source for reading up on Africa's history." —Gordon Brewer, Scotland on Sunday 

"Vast and brilliant . . . orderly but still managing to nip down a fascinating byway when necessary . . .  a groundbreaking book." —Giles Foden, Guardian

Guy Arnold has specialized in African and Third World Affairs for the last 50 years and is the author of a number of books on these themes. His involvement began when he created a National Youth Service for Zambia on the eve of Independence. He lectures on international affairs and has worked as a consultant for agencies involved in developing countries.